FlyLady crashes into the Mueller's

So, I'm lounging pathetically on the couch watching The Sound of Music. We just completed our 4th Holiday Travel Trip within a one month period.

I must say being with my family was a treat, particularly my neat little nephew Brant. I've not met anyone like this little guy. He makes me double over in laughter at times and is one of those people you think about with a smile even after you are away from him just because he gets into your heart so much. He got an Indianapolis Colts football uniform (including the helmet) for Christmas. I'm not sure which gift he loved more: the uniform or NASCAR driving video game. It was a BLAST to be there and share the excitement of Christmas with an 8 year old boy.

Heading into our 4th trip of the holiday season last Friday, I was hurting. It's like I was totally melting into an ooze in the front seat of our honda. The busyness of our holidays up to that point hadn't made for a fuzzy kindredness with dear Johnny. So, even sharing my innards with him didn't ease any of the empty messy feelings I was having. I was angry, irritated, empty, and disappointed at myself with how the holidays seemed to suck my life out rather than pump me full of rich meaning. The longer I walk with the Lord, the louder this voice screams within to CELEBRATE the true meaning of Christmas rather than trudge along in these life-draining efforts. I decided that I have the expectation for Christmas to hold significant meaning in my soul and yet I trudge along doing things that don't point me in that direction.

So, back to the title.
I found this website called Flylady.net from a friend. It's a delightful little site devoted to folks trying to grasp a little bit of functionality and order in their lives and homes. She's all about decluttering and getting yourself into routines so you don't let your house get totally out of control to the point you have to spend an entire weekend cleaning. I can't really articulate the full scope of what she writes about in this little blog entry but it's been AWESOME for me as a newlywed and homeowner. I've really wanted to learn how to have an organized home and a home that people can visit in without me feeling totally embarrassed because of the mess. She's geared more for us types where organization doesn't come naturally. I love it.

Anyways, FLYLADY had been sending out emails for months before the holidays to help us get a plan so we don't wait until the last minute. She stressed the importance of ENJOYING the holidays through having a plan rather than waiting until the last minute and freaking out and working yourself to death etc etc. I thought I was doing well with getting shopping done and planning holiday meals and keeping up with house-cleaning routines yet was amazed at the vast amount of work the holidays bring.

So, all that to say, I have been taking inventory of our holidays and really thinking through what I enjoyed and what I didn't enjoy about our holidays this year. Overall, I feel quite disappointed that I let myself be dominated by all the shopping and cleaning and running errunds to the point that I spent very little time enjoying the story of Jesus. It's like you have to be still and allow yourself some mental space to really digest anything deeper than getting to Kohl's for After Christmas clearance.
For Real. I think my sadness comes because I miss the Lord. Here passed one of the most significant events in history that effects every aspect of my life, yet I missed it. What is the answer people? I'm not sure that abandoning gift-giving and staying home during the holidays is the answer. I guess you could say I'm evaluating what I would really like in the years ahead.